World Reviewer rating

Castello di Pavone

The castle of Pavone began to sprout up on this rock guarding the route from Italy to France in the 9th Century, but was added to bit by bit, a tower here, some battlements there, some decoration to round it all off... by its various inhabitants until it became something of a pre-renaissance architectural museum to styles and trends, both in military and aesthetic design. The bronze peacock and designs in terracotta tile were added in 1855, but in the style of the 16th Century, but prior to that the castle had been modified and added to until its original outer wall was incorporated into the main body of the castle and the ship like roof was added.

The hotel's highest room is at the top of the highest tower, and has amazing views of the snow sprinkled Alps, but at the cost of having to mount 143 stairs. The hotel has 27 rooms, more four star than five, and the military standards have been relaxed into friendly, rather than exceptional, service.